Today's Business Lessons
The strong woman and the woman of strength
By Francis J. Kong
(The Philippine Star)
Updated May 12, 2012
More and more women leaders are emerging in business
as well as in other industries – even in those once dominated by men.
I’ve observed this trend as more and more companies are sending women
leaders to attend my once-a-month public seminar and workshop on
leadership.
There was a time in history when women had to march through the
streets to fight for their rights. Meanwhile, today, many women leaders
are out performing their counterparts.
And these days, women enjoy the freedom to voice out their opinions. Here are just some of their thoughts:
• Austrian-American actress Hedy Lamarr: “Any girl can be glamorous. All you have to do is stand still and look stupid.”
• American comedian Elayne Boosler: “When women are depressed they either eat or go shopping. Men invade another country.”
• Gilda Radner, one of the original cast members of SNL: “I base most of my fashion taste on what doesn’t itch.”
• Maryon Pearson, wife of the 14th prime minister of Canada: “Behind every successful man is a surprised woman.”
• Former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher: “In politics, if
you want anything said, ask a man; if you want anything done, ask a
woman.” (Maybe this is also true in the work place.)
• Gloria Steinem, a leader of the women’s liberation movement in the
late ’60s and ’70s: “I have yet to hear a man ask for advice on how to
combine marriage and a career. Some of us are becoming the men we wanted
to marry.”
• Movie actress Katharine Hepburn: “Sometimes I wonder if men and
women really suit each other. Perhaps they should live next door, and
just visit now and then.”
• Baroness Edith Summerskill: “Nagging is the repetition of unpalatable truths.” (Somehow, I think this is true!)
• American journalist Linda Ellerbee: “If men can run the world, why
can’t they stop wearing neckties? How intelligent is it to start the day
by tying a little noose around your neck?” (Ouch!)
• When a boy falls and peels the skin off his nose, the first thing
he does is to get up and yell. When a girl tumbles and hurts herself
badly, the first thing she does is to get up and look at her dress. (So
true, isn’t it?)
Women have really come a long way in terms of exerting their rights
and taking their place in society. They’ve gained recognition, voice and
strength.
An example of a woman’s strength:
One woman recounted, “As the bus pulled away, I realized I had left
my purse under the seat. Later, I called the company and was relieved
that the driver had found my bag.
When I went to pick it up, several off-duty bus drivers surrounded
me. One man handed me my pocketbook, two typewritten pages and a box
containing the contents of my purse.
“We’re required to inventory lost wallets and purses,” he explained. “I think you’ll find everything there.”
As I started to put my belongings back into the pocketbook, the man
continued, “I hope you don’t mind if we watch. Even though we all tried,
none of us could fit everything into your purse, and we’d like to see
just how you do it.”
I know many strong women, women of strong personalities and character. And then again, I know of some women of strength.
Strong women and women of strength – is there a difference?
• A strong woman works out every day to keep her body in shape. A
woman of strength builds relationships to keep her soul in shape.
• A strong woman isn’t afraid of anything, but a woman of strength shows courage in the midst of her fear.
• A strong woman won’t let anyone get the best of her, but a woman of strength gives the best of herself to everyone.
• A strong woman makes mistakes and avoids the same in the future. A
woman of strength realizes life’s mistakes can also be unexpected
blessings and capitalizes on them.
• A strong woman wears a look of confidence on her face, but a woman of strength wears grace.
• A strong woman has faith that she is strong enough for the journey.
But a woman of strength has faith that it is in the journey that she
will become strong.
And the woman of strength is the woman who trusts in God and obeys His Word.
You know what? I’m glad I married one.
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